Chapter 3

The rain pounded down against the tin roof of the shed. Taking a deep breath, David hung up the phone. He knew they had to get back to the main compound as quickly as possible. If any of the animals had managed to get loose, there was no telling where they would go. The last thing David wanted was to put April in danger.

Stepping back out into the rain, David relocked the shed door and ran over to the Jeep.

"We need to get back as fast as we can," David said as he jumped into his seat. "The phone lines are out and there's no way to…April? Are you okay?"

"David, there's something out there." April was staring into the forest. When she turned to look at David, her eyes were as big as saucers. "I felt the ground shake, like something big was moving – There! Did you feel that?"

Not only had David felt it, but he heard the dull thud that seemed to resonate throughout the Jeep. He quickly began scanning the surrounding trees. As he did, another louder thud sounded, even closer by.

"I think it's coming from – "

Before David could finish, the trees to his left began shaking. With a deafening roar a hulking animal burst through the foliage not twenty yards from the Jeep. David recognized the unmistakable form of a Tyrannosaurus Rex as it stopped and eyed the vehicle curiously. David could only stare in disbelief and shock. The animal's head was nearly as big as the Jeep, and its teeth…! Rain beat hard against its greenish-brown skin, running down to pool around its half-submerged feet. Without warning the Tyrannosaur crouched and let out another ear-splitting roar. It then began to lumber towards the Jeep.

"David go!" April's screamed.

Instinctively he threw the vehicle into gear. The wheels spun in the mud as the engine revved. David watched as the Rex lowered its massive head and began charging. The animal let out another roar as the wheels finally got traction. The Jeep fishtailed along the road for several feet before straightening out. Behind, the Rex was quickly gaining on them. David's throat was dry, a cold sweat was starting to come over him. He shifted into second gear, accelerated, then shifted into third. He looked in the rearview mirror and saw the Rex was still back there, but no longer closing on them. The road turned slightly to the right and David watched as the animal came to a sudden stop in the road. Then it crashed back into the forest and out of sight.

Letting out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, David looked over at April. Her eyes were closed and she was breathing rapidly. "April, he's gone. It's all right."

Gingerly she opened her eyes. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, he went back into the jungle." David eased off the accelerator and the Jeep began to slow. "You okay?"

She took a deep breath before answering. "Yes. Look at my hands." Holding her hands out she watched as they shook uncontrollably.

"It's over now," David began. "He's long behind us." Reaching over, David took one of April's hands in his. She quickly put her other hand on top.

The road began to wind a bit more as it sloped downhill. Large leaves and palm fronds littered the ground as the storm continued to pummel the island. The Jeep's headlights were just wide enough to light up the roadway, but anything beyond the first row of trees was obscured in darkness. David tried to get his bearings on their exact location. Just ahead a dull light shone through the trees and onto the road. It had to be one of the information buildings that were scattered throughout the park. If that was the case, they were about halfway to the Visitor's Center.

"David, when we get back, will you stay with me?" April looked at him pleadingly. "I just want someone to be around."

"I'll stay as long as you need me to." David noticed that April's hands had stopped shaking.

A flash of movement at the edge of the trees caught David's eye. Suddenly a dark shape burst from the foliage in front of the Jeep. April screamed as David swerved to the right, but it wasn't quick enough. They clipped the back end of a small striped animal, sending the Jeep careening towards the trees. David slammed on the brakes but the tires just slid in the mud.

"Hold on!" David yelled as he braced himself for impact.

The Jeep smashed through the trees and shrubs lining the road, then turned sideways and continued to slide down a small embankment. Hitting the brakes did nothing to stop the vehicle. David could hear canvas ripping as tree branches tore through the fabric roof. With a loud metallic crunch, the Jeep slammed backend first into a massive tree. Everything was silent.